Installation and startup of ABB VFDs

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking a contractor to provide labor, equipment, and materials necessary for the installation and startup of sixteen ABB ACH580 variable frequency drives (VFDs) at the La Jolla Laboratory's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. This procurement replaces aging VFDs that control critical equipment including aquaria life support systems and garage exhaust fans, with specific technical requirements including UL and CE rated drives with Type-1 enclosures, Eclipse Bypass with Main Power Disconnect, and multiple communication protocols. The contractor must demonstrate ABB certification, provide qualified personnel, and ensure compliance with OSHA and safety regulations. Proposals will be evaluated using lowest price technically acceptable criteria, focusing on contractor qualifications, personnel qualifications, compliance and safety adherence, and delivery of required documentation. The solicitation response deadline is September 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM PST/PDT, with a site visit having been conducted on August 29, 2025.

This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 238210 with a size standard of $19.0 million. The contract will be awarded as a firm-fixed price purchase order with Net 30 payment terms and a performance period of 180 days from the award date. Work must be performed Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the La Jolla facility located at 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive. The procurement involves replacing sixteen specific ABB VFD units from an inventory of 39 VFDs across various facility systems, with the government requiring proper disposal of certain units (GEF 2, 3, and 4) while retaining others. Amendment 0002 provided motor plate pictures for equipment CT-2 and GEF 2, 3, and 4, while Amendment 0003 clarified disposal instructions for old VFDs following contractor questions from the site visit.